Without warning, screams emerged from upstairs. Thrust from my thoughts, I dashed in the direction of the bellows. When I reached the threshold of Dom’s bedroom, my breath lodged in my throat. Jeffery was leaning over Dom’s body, screaming blood-curdling cries. Shear panic slammed into my chest. Then my lungs expanded once my eyes landed on the lump on the floor. Dom had been bound by rope, gagged with duct-tape. He was alive! “Thank goodness,” I breathed, grateful for the wall holding me up as I filled my lungs with air.
Hysterical, Jeffery sobbed. “Oh lord have mercy! Did I do this to you?” Jeff’s shaky hands weren’t much use loosening the tight rope.
I fell beside him offering my aid. “Hey boo, let me do this. Your hands are trembling.” Jeff nodded, still weeping as he sat back and le
